I have a set of stairs I want to refinish, with clear fir treads. There was a carpet runner down the center and they painted the sides of it, but the under-carpet part was clear. I want to restore it all back to clear.

Anybody have a favorite tool? The tricky part is going to be keeping it even- I'm going to have to get around the balusters which is a tight area.

At least its not lead paint, I have evidence that it was done in 1998 and the lead check pen says no.